What is it about the project you're involved in that got you both interested in conservation and drives your work?
I am very passionate about protecting New Zealand ''wild areas'' and firmly believe they are a fragile and limited resource that, firstly, we need to increase the protection and restoration of and, secondly, that we shouldn't compromise our conservation ethics for short-term gains or commercial ventures.
Once these ''wild areas'' are gone they can never be returned.
Regarding the involvement in Wye Creek, I am keen tramper, back country skier and climber and have spent a lot of time in the Wye Creek catchment.
It is a stunning and unique area that, while relatively accessible, it is still relatively unspoilt land. The catchment runs from lake level to near 2000m and as a result has a very diverse ecosystem, from stands of native beech to high alpine flora and fauna.
I believed there was a real opportunity to protect this catchment from predators, restore much of the lost native bush from fires and allow the birdlife to recover.
I also had a fascination with new and more effective ways of predator control and saw the opportunity to try out some new-style predator traps.
My business, Appellation Central Wine Tours, decided to sponsor some Good Nature self-setting possum, stoat and rat traps as a trial in this catchment.
How does the project benefit conservation?
From the three years' work we have done to date, we have planted and cared for over 120 native plants, many of which are still surviving, we have installed and regularly check 50 possum, stoat and rat traps and have had reasonable success in reducing predator numbers.
There is anecdotal evidence of more native birds in the area.
What do you get out of the work?
While our achievements are still relatively minor on the scale of what is required in New Zealand, I find this work incredibly rewarding.
The project is still in its infancy but I believe the Queenstown Climbing Club and Appellation Central Wines Tour's contributions will allow it to achieve significant results as we work to achieve our long-term vision.
What challenges has the project faced and how have they been overcome?
One of the biggest challenges has been the ongoing replanting work.
The terrain is quite steep and thick with tussock and scrub, making the preparation and planting work tiring and very physical.
Fortunately, there have been enormous contributions from many fit and active members from the Queenstown Climbing Club to complete this work.
What direction do you see your conservation work going in the future?
We recently completed a three-year plan for future conservation work in the Wye Creek catchment.
I would like to see this project through to completion and then envisage a long-term involvement as a volunteer here.
I am particularly interested in ways to improve predator control work and would love to be involved in future projects that involved trialling more effective predator control systems.
